Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve

Overview

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Zandvlei is a recreational area at Lakeside where windsurfers entertain picnickers with their antics. It is one of the most accessible reserves, as it is next to the Lakeside train station and close to the Main Road. The Environmental Education Centre on the northern side is reached from Steenberg Station or Coniston Road, off Military Road in Steenberg.

Zandvlei is the only functioning estuary on the False Bay coast, and supports a variety of indigenous fish. Juvenile marine fish use the estuary as a nursery where they can grow in safety. It is important that the estuary mouth is open for at least part of the year, to enable young fish to enter and older fish to return to the ocean. It is opened artificially by the Catchment Management Department when a high spring tide is expected. Southern Mullet, Leervis, the critically endangered White Steenbras, White Stumpnose and Elf are among the 25 types of fish found in the estuary. Strict recreational fishing regulations apply, including minimum size catch and bag limits, to protect young fish so that they can have a chance to breed. Many sport anglers now prefer to 'catch, tag and release' fish so that they can enjoy fishing without threatening fish populations. Local anglers are encouraged to remove alien invasive fish species such as Carp and Barbel.

Wetlands, like Zandvlei, are important habitats for birds, both those that live here year round and those that migrate from Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa. There are about 150 species here, including Great Crested Grebe, African Fish Eagles, Caspian Terns, Ducks, Coots, Herons, Ibises, Pelicans, Kingfishers, Swallows and Weavers. Eighteen different reptiles have been recorded in the reserve (including the Marsh Terrapin, Brown Water Snake and Mole Snake) and 210 different plants species. Residents of neighbouring Lakeside and Marina da Gama enjoy the sound of birds and the croaking of frogs. They sometimes see Cape Clawless Otter, Porcupines, Small Grey and Water Mongoose, and their gardens are often visited by Dune Mole Rats.

ADDRESS: Coniston Avenue, Marina Da Gama
OPENING HOURS: 07h30–16h00 (weekdays), closed weekends
SIZE: 200 ha
ENTRY FEE: none
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: taxi, train or bus (within walking distance of Steenberg and Lakeside Stations and the Main Road)
ACTIVITIES: jetty, bird hides, picnic sites, boating, walking
Environmental education: Zandvlei Environmental Education Centre is within walking distance of Steenberg train station and
offers field trips for primary learners (book in advance for live reptile displays)
FRIENDS: Friends of The Zandvlei Trust help with conservation, education and awareness projects
CONTACT: Tel 021 701 7542; Fax 021 701 7542;
EMAIL: cassandra.sheasby@capetown.gov.za for management or
markclive.arendse@capetown.gov.za for environmental education

Cape Town Green Map
updated 03/2012 by City of Cape Town